Topsoil aggregates are an essential component for many gardening, planting, and landscaping projects. These aggregates are the naturally formed upper layer of the Earth’s surface and are richer in organic matter and nutrients compared to other layers.
Topsoil aggregates are the ideal foundation for healthy landscapes and are often used to make garden beds and improve the soil structure in projects. Soil aggregates in conjunction with composted materials or fertiliser improve the growing conditions of plants, vegetables, and grass in areas where the natural soil is of poor quality.
Good topsoil ensures that plants grow well and adds to the beauty of landscaping projects.
With so many types of aggregates available, how do you know which are suitable for your project? We’ve drawn on our expertise in sourcing and supplying aggregates to produce this guide on how to choose the best soil aggregates for your project.
Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about topsoil.
What Is Topsoil?
Topsoil is the top layer of soil that’s formed when rocks, leaves, and other organic matter decay over time and break down into small particles.
Wind and rain break rocks into smaller pieces, which are then carried away and deposited in a new location. As plants grow and die, their leaves and roots are left behind in the soil. Bacteria, fungi, and earthworms break down this organic material, enriching the soil with nutrients.
Depending on where the Topsoil is sourced the final result is topsoil aggregate that’s filled with organic matter, nutrients, and materials that promote plant growth. If Topsoil has been sourced and screened from a less fertile area composted material will need to be added if being used for plant growth.
What Are Topsoil Aggregates Used For?
Topsoil aggregates are often used in locations where the existing soil is of poor quality. This is often seen in newly built homes, where the natural topsoil has been compromised due to construction and development.
Topsoil can also be used in places where there’s no natural soil, such as courtyard gardens, to create raised flower beds and borders. Other uses for topsoil aggregates include as a fill material, to create a level base for laying turf, seeding gardens, and setting up garden paths.
These aggregates are also used in other construction projects for levelling ground or preparing areas for planting. Whether you’re building up low areas or simply enriching garden soil, topsoil aggregates provide a dependable foundation.
Types and Grades of Topsoil Aggregates
There are two main types of topsoil aggregates: screened and unscreened. Screened topsoil has been processed to eliminate any stones, sticks, roots, and other chunks of matter to produce soil that’s free of debris.
Screening ensures that topsoil has a uniform particle size and consistent soil structure for efficient water flow and nutrient distribution. These qualities make screened topsoil aggregates an excellent choice for gardening and landscaping projects.
Another type of topsoil to consider is certified topsoil. Certified soil aggregates are tested to ensure they’re free of disease and metals.
Topsoil aggregates come in three grades, each with unique qualities for different applications. These are:
1) Premium Grade
Premium grade topsoil is the highest quality of topsoil aggregates and is free of weed seeds. Premium soil aggregates are ideal for growing flowers or vegetables. Many professional nurseries use it to make specialised potting compost.
2) General-purpose Grade
General-purpose grade topsoil is good for general gardening purposes. It’s often used as the final layer before laying turf and added to garden beds and top dressing surfaces.
3) Economy Grade
Economy topsoil is an inexpensive choice, making it ideal if you require large amounts of soil. It’s typically unscreened. This grade of topsoil aggregates is used as a base layer for gardens or when a large volume of ground is required to be filled.
Why Is Topsoil Important in Gardening?
Typically, the topsoil in a garden will become damaged or naturally eroded over time. This occurs when a garden has existed for many years, or around a newly built home where the topsoil has been removed for construction.
Topsoil aggregates in conjunction with composted materials or fertiliser help you create a healthier garden and ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
In landscaping projects, topsoil aggregates also play an essential role in the creation of new beds and borders. When combined with fertiliser these areas are rich in nutrients and serve as a healthy home for flowers, plants, and vegetables.
Is Topsoil the Same As Compost?
Topsoil and compost both have important nutrients and are used around the garden, but they aren’t the same material.
Compost is drier and softer than topsoil aggregates, making it more suitable for growing plants in pots and troughs.
Topsoil aggregates can retain more water and provide more structure. This makes them the better choice for laying turf, levelling uneven surfaces in gardens, and filling in large beds or borders.
What Do You Need To Know Before You Buy?
You can buy topsoil aggregates in small amounts, or order them in bulk from reliable topsoil suppliers.
It’s important to be aware that the quality of topsoil can vary considerably. Before you make a purchase, inspect the topsoil or ask for a sample. This will help you examine if there are roots in the soil or any other contaminants, such as large stones or glass.
A good topsoil supplier will be able to provide you with soil aggregates that meet or exceed British standards. It’s important to know where your topsoil aggregates are sourced from to ensure the quality is consistent.
For High-Quality Aggregates, Contact Middleton Aggregates
The best topsoil aggregates make a big difference in the durability and aesthetics of your landscaping and construction projects. That’s why you need to purchase high-quality topsoil from a trustworthy supplier that can fulfil your exact project requirements.
If you require aggregates for your next project, we can help
At Middleton Aggregates, we have a selection of aggregates, plant hire services, and fill materials for various applications.
Based in Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, we have multiple facilities to serve the Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk areas. Our team is on hand to offer friendly and expert advice when you need it.
When you choose us as your aggregate supplier, you can rest assured that we’ll go above and beyond to ensure all your needs are thoroughly met.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us now.
